Back to Basics

I have a confession to make regarding a standard writing instrument I can't live without. I use it all the time. The one I own has lasted me twelve plus months and it never skips a beat. It's the first thing I grab if I think a project need a little extra something. It's the most basic scrapbook supply item I own; Uni-Ball Signo Gold Gel Pen.

Using a gold gel pen has become a everyday routine for me when scrapbooking. Over the past year or so, I've collaborated a number of techniques for using this simple tool. If you look at some of my past layouts, you'll notice hints of "gold" here and there. Gold sits nicely alongside other colors. It's especially at home with rich, vivid hues. I love using these kinds of colors when scrapbooking. Gold's subtlety makes it a perfect option for me when creating layouts. I typically use my gold gel pen in combination with my 05 Black Zig Writer. Black has a way of enlivening gold when the two sit next to each other on a layout. They're an ideal pair. Often, when I'm using my gold gel pen, I'll also use my Zig Writer. I keep both of them on hand at all times when working on projects.

Last night, I took a number of photographs demonstrating how I use my gold gel pen when working on projects. I'm sharing them here today. I've included a brief description for each photo. Let me know what you think. Thanks!

Why not journal with "gold" ink instead of "black" ink? This is an option when journaling on dark color cardstock. You don't technically have to write an entire paragraph either. Maybe all you need is a single line of something. Using a gold gel pen may be a fun alternative when journaling on a layout. 

Borders. This is by far the most common way in which I use a gold gel pen on a layout. I create an outline for my border using my Zig Writer and fill it in using my gold gel pen. You don't need a ruler either. Mistakes are easily covered when using a gold gel pen. 

Combine black rub-ons with gold using a gold gel pen. Some of my favorite black rub-ons include borders, flowers, swirls, and other design elements with strong, defined outlines.

When using transparent glitter on top of gold, the glitter takes on a "gold hue". In the photo above, I added Doodlebug's lime green glitter to the rub-on. It's difficult to see in this photo, but the glitter has a "gold sheen" to it. I think this technique is a great way to use transparent glitter that doesn't always have a noticeable hue.

This is a great technique for bringing character to an otherwise plain looking label. Decorate them using a gold gel pen. For added effect, include using a black marker, especially for creating borders around labels. If the label is made of a coated paper (non-porous), note that all gel pens draw on coated paper and dry without issue. Though, if black ink is desired, you will need to use a Slick Writer for drawing on coated paper.

Outline Epoxy stickers or doodle fun elements around them for added effect. I'll often outline small doodles on my layouts and fill them in using my gold gel pen.

Stamp out an image and add a little gold to make it feel less like a "stamped image". I do this with stamped frames a lot.

Make rhinestones and buttons "pop" by outlining them in gold. Maybe add a few dots or other misc. details to further emphasize their appearance on a layout.

One last idea, Dress up plain chipboard with acrylic paint. Add outline to painted areas using a gold gel pen. It completely changes the appearance of chipboard. If paint is too much work for you, try Souffle Gel Pens. They dry opaque in color and work well on porous and non-porous surfaces. 

*I would love to hear how you use gel pens. If you have any ideas you'd like to mention, please do so in the comments section of this post. Thanks for sharing!